Agenda and minutes

The Chair asked the Committee to join her in a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Councillor Ellen Morton, the previous Chair of the Committee and a respected colleague, who sadly passed away on Saturday 3^rd of October 2020. The Chair paid tribute to Councillor Morton as an advocate for the community and a mentor, guide and friend to many.

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minute of the Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on Thursday, 17 September 2020 was approved as a correct record.

Ms Heather Munro asked the following questions:

In light of the recent Decarbonisation Plan which was agreed by Argyll and Bute Council, how do the councillors intend to approach the climate emergency in the Helensburgh and Lomond area?  Specifically:

1. Do the Councillors feel they have enough training on the climate change problem, to be able to deal with it in all their day to day roles?  If not, can I recommend the government-funded online training provided by Keep Scotland Beautiful: Climate Emergency Training for Community Leaders Registration, Mon 11 Jan 2021 at 00:00 | Eventbrite
2. How do the councillors plan to bring consideration of the climate crisis in every aspect of their roles?  For example, on the agenda today I can see that many of the items have implications for climate mitigation and/or climate adaptation.  How will they ensure these are routinely dealt with in everything the council does going forward?  Can I suggest adding to the end of all papers, where there are mandatory comments on implications, a requirement to consider implications for climate mitigation and implications for climate adaptation?
3. Would the Committee feel it would be helpful for one member to take the role of climate champion, to oversee this and drive it forward in the Helensburgh and Lomond area? 

The Chair confirmed that a Short Life Working Group around climate change had been set up by the Council and that the Group had recently reported to Council. The Council has agreed that there will now be quarterly updates to the Policy and Resources Committee which will provide an update from the Council’s Climate Change Board.  The Chair advised that she was sure that the Council was following all government guidance and guidelines on creating a clean, safe environment for the people of Argyll and Bute to live in as well as tackling the climate change matters of the day.

Councillor Morton noted that she had previously been a part of the Climate Change Short Life Working Group and advised that a number of the issues raised by Ms Munro had previously been discussed there, including the addition of climate change to the implications referenced in reports, however this was not currently being taken forward. Councillor Morton advised that the Decarbonisation plan agreed by the Council was only the starting point in Argyll and Bute’s response to climate change.

Councillor Morton confirmed that training was available to Councillors through the Members Services team and a Members Seminar on Climate Change and the Decarbonisation plan had taken place approximately 4 weeks previously.  Councillor Morton advised that she was sure that more training could be made available if requested and noted that the Head of Commercial Services was also likely to be happy to discuss this with Councillors if requested.

Councillor Morton provided comment on the suggestion of a Climate Change Champion, noting that previously this approach had not been supported as there had been a high and somewhat unrealistic expectation that the appointment of a Champion would resolve the issue. Councillor Morton advised that Councillors would continue to make decisions around the high level policy and strategy on climate change, such as the Decarbonisation plan, and that this would be delivered by Officers on the ground.

Ms Munro advised that she was aware that climate change was a massive issue and she was very supportive of the Decarbonisation plan, noting that she was aware that every individual had to do their bit to reduce their carbon emissions. Ms Munro reiterated the importance of climate change and urged all Councillors to receive as much training as possible and to act on this as much as possible in all aspects of their work.

Councillor Trail confirmed that he would be happy to receive training around climate change issues, as referenced by Ms Munro, and asked that the link for same be circulated to Members following the meeting. 

Report by Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland

The Committee gave consideration to a report and verbal update from Inspector Roderick MacNeill updating Members on current issues being dealt with by Police Scotland in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the report and information provided.

(Reference: Report by Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Committee gave consideration to a progress report providing information in relation to the school’s curricular vision; wider achievement; the school roll; SQA results; pupil and staff wellbeing; blended and home learning; contingency planning; school successes; clothing and footwear grants; free school meals; and attendance, absence and exclusions.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee thanked Mr Williamson for his presentation and agreed to note the contents of the report and commend the work being done by the school.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, wished Mr Williamson well for his upcoming retirement.

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, submitted)

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership

The Committee gave consideration to the Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report for 2019/20.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 17 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing monitoring information on the funds distributed through the Supporting Communities Fund 2019/20.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

1.    noted the positive contribution of the funds to communities in Helensburgh and Lomond, detailed in paragraph 4.1 and the table contained within the report; and

2.    agreed that the unspent funds of £323.09, detailed in paragraph 4.4. of the report be carried forward to be included in funds available for dispersal in 2021/22.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 17 December 2020, submitted) 

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report asking the Committee to confirm the appointments of Elected Members to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed:

1.     to confirm the appointments of Councillor Morgan and Councillor Douglas as Elected Member representatives on the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group; and

2.    to continue the decision on the appointment of a third Elected Member representative to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group until the impending by-election for the Helensburgh and Lomond South ward had taken place.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 17 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Performance and Improvement

The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting the Area Report and Scorecard for the first two Financial Quarters of 2020/21 (April – June 2020 and July – September 2020) and illustrating the agreed performance measures.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

1.    noted the performance presented on the Scorecard and supporting commentary;

2.    agreed that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee would contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries;

3.    agreed to the proposed presentation of Car Park Income;

4.    agreed to the removal of both Primary and Secondary School Inspection measures; and

5.    noted that work is ongoing and agreed to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Report and Scorecard.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Performance and Improvement, dated 17 December 2020, submitted)

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Workplan as at December 2020 was before the Committee for noting.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the workplan.

(Reference: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Workplan, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report updating Members on the progress made since 17 September 2020 in relation to the delivery of a dedicated, high quality walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton.

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public for discussion of Appendix (b) in relation to the report on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

1. considered the progress made towards the award of the contract for the completion of the design work required for the cyclepath; and
2. noted the unavoidable delay to completion of the section of cyclepath in Cardross due to the requirement from SEPA to avoid any work affecting the Geilston Burn during the winter fish breeding season; and
3. agreed that Officers should look at the options in relation to land acquisition which would allow the completion of the section of the route from Geilston Burn to Murray’s Crossing at the earliest opportunity.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 17 December 2020, submitted)